spaswinefood: Castello di Brolio Wine Estate

High on a hill overlooking the Tuscan landscape is Castello di Brolio Wine Estate. Castillo di Brolio not only has great views but it also brings a rich historical background to winemaking. In fact the Castello di Brolio Wine Estate, the oldest winery in Italy, has a winemaking history dating back to 1141 when the Ricasolio family assumed ownership. Later in 1872 Baron Bettino Ricasolio wrote the original Chianti formula. While the formula has changed over the years today's Chianti Classico DOCG wines still need to meet requirements for certification. To use the Chianti Classico logo (black rooster) a wine must contain at least 80% Sangiovese grape and 20% of other red grapes from the region, plus meet all the criteria for the DOCG status.

Castello di Brolio Wine Estate © Spaswinefood

It was a beautiful October morning when we visited Castello di Brolio Wine Estate. On our way up the hill we stopped to take pictures of the expansive 250 hectares (617.5 acres) vineyards surrounding the castle.

Castello di Brolio Vineyards in October © Spaswinefood

Next, we toured the castle grounds. While we did not get to go inside the castle we did visit the chapel and museum on the castle grounds.

Wine bloggers in a reflective Chianti Classico Pose © Spaswinefood

Now, let me show you some of the views from the front of Brolio Castle.

Below the castle wall © Spaswinefood

Below the castle wall © Spaswinefood

Olive trees and vineyards © Spaswinefood

Olive trees and vineyards in the distance #1 © Spaswinefood

Needless to say, the views from the castle are impressive.

On a clear day you might just see Siena in the distance © Spaswinefood

Caroline Henry for Wine Travel Guides Blog, Karen Brown, Wine Travel Guides and Tripadvisor describes the wine estate. Jim's Loire and Schiller- Wine have also reported on their visit.

After touring the vineyards and castle grounds we headed back down the hill. The tasting session was held at Enoteca Castello di Brolio.

Enoteca del Castello di Brolio © Spaswinefood

At the enoteca we were given a presentation followed by wine tasting. For more details see Alexandra Corvo's excellent report on this session.

Wine blogging at Enoteca del Castello di Brolio © Spaswinefood

The tasting session at the Enoteca Castello di Brolio included the following wines: Brolio 2009 Chianti Classico DOCG, Casalferro 2008 Toscana IGT, Castello di Brolio 2008 Chianti Classico DOCG, Rocca Guicciarda 2008 Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG and Castello di Brolio 2005 Chianti Classico DOCG. Of the wines tasted I liked Rocca Guicciarda 2008 Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG but I would rank Castello di Brolio 2005 Chianti Classico DOCG as the best overall.

Wine tasting at Castello di Brolio © Spaswinefood

The Chianti Classico wine labels include Castello di Brolio Chianti Classico DOCG, Cordellio Chianti Classico DOCG, Brolio Chianti Classico DOCG, Brolio Chianti Classico DOCG, Rocca Guccigardia Chianti Classico DOCG Riserva. The winery also sells Chianti Chianti DOCG, a number IGT's, grappa and olive oil.

The winery's website lists awards won, for labels such as Castello di Brolio Chianti Classico DOCG . Just Grapes review of Ricasoli di Brolio Chianti Classico 2001 sounds like I should check it out. You will also find reviews of Castello di Brolio wines on Snooth and Cellar Tracker for Castello di Brolio 2005 Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG and other vintages.